Your guide to better online security

The digital world has become our everyday reality, yet maintaining online privacy and security remains a challenge. New platforms, accounts, and apps constantly introduce new security settings, password requirements, and potential risks. This can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be.

Popular Science understands this struggle and offers a compilation of our most helpful articles to bolster your online security in the new year. Prioritizing your digital safety is a resolution that offers significant protection.

Strengthening Your Communication Security

Whether texting, video calling, or using other digital communication methods, your communications are vulnerable to monitoring. Protecting yourself from virtual eavesdropping is crucial.

Start by using secure messaging apps like Signal or Telegram. Even iMessage offers end-to-end encryption. We reviewed several excellent options in 2021 following WhatsApp's data-sharing announcement. Facebook Messenger also has E2E encryption, but you must enable it manually. Consider using self-destructing messages on various platforms.

Location sharing, a feature in many apps, should be carefully managed. While useful for safety or travel, avoid broadcasting your location unnecessarily. Review your settings to ensure they reflect your preferences.

Video calls aren't inherently secure; conversations can be recorded, and many platforms include chat functions. Before your next virtual meeting, check your settings. Zoom, for example, offers E2E encryption, but it's not enabled by default. Remember to consult our comprehensive guide on video call security best practices. And for sharing sensitive photos, learn how to do so securely.

Securing Your Online Accounts

Your data is valuable, and many entities seek to access it. We've created a guide on securing your Google, Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts, with detailed links to individual platform guides (e.g., Google's privacy settings). We also offer advice on managing privacy within each Google app.

For a fresh start, log out of all your accounts. This closes forgotten browsing sessions and prevents unauthorized access.

While reviewing account settings, explore features that enhance security and privacy. Apple's "Hide My Email," for example, generates temporary email addresses to reduce spam.

Password Management Best Practices

Our top recommendations for password security are two-factor authentication (2FA) and a password manager. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second factor (code, key, or device prompt) beyond your username and password. A password manager simplifies remembering numerous passwords by using a single master password.

Regardless of these recommendations, understand how to create strong passwords. Safari and Google Chrome offer features to strengthen your login credentials. Don't forget that your Google search history might require its own password protection.

Managing App Permissions

Apps frequently update, and permission changes can go unnoticed. Regularly review what permissions your apps have. This is easily done on both Apple and Android devices. Also, refresh your understanding of your phone's privacy settings. You can even investigate precisely what data specific apps are sharing.

Limiting Online Tracking

Many organizations track your online activity. While complete prevention is difficult, you have control. Popular browsers offer tracking limitation features. Consider a browser with a built-in VPN for enhanced security. Alternatively, security-focused browser extensions can block ads, clear browsing history, and more. Learn how to identify trackers on web pages and within emails.

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